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Saitama Prefecture · Kanto

Michi-no-Eki Otaki Onsen

道の駅 大滝温泉

A stop beside the Arakawa River where you can arrange a bath, meal, toilet break and shopping before entering Oku-Chichibu.

Updated Michi-no-Eki JournalRead in Japanese

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Location
Chichibu City
Road
National Route 140
Hours
10:00–20:00
Yu-yu-kan is open until 20:00 from April to November and until 19:00 from December to March. Hours differ by facility.
Parking
Cars: 83 / Large vehicles: 0
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How to enjoy

Choose how to enjoy your visit

Eat, shop, play, take in the view or rest. Choose from the station’s strengths to suit your day.

Check first
Yu-yu-kan and Gourokan hours

The onsen, restaurant, shop and museum have different hours. For a meal, plan around 11:00–16:00.

To eat
Pork miso bowl or grilled horumon set meal

Choose Gourokan for a Chichibu-style lunch. On busy days or late visits, switch to snacks or the shop.

To buy
Local products and drinks together

The adjoining FamilyMart makes it easy to buy souvenirs and supplies for the mountain drive in one stop.

To head out
Takizawa Dam and Raiden Todoroki Bridge

About 10 minutes by car. Even a short detour gives a sense of Oku-Chichibu's terrain and the layered Route 140 roadway.

For a short stop
Toilets, drinks and snacks

Useful preparations before heading toward Mitsumine Shrine. Make the most of this last relaxed stop before the mountain road.

In rain or winter
Replan around the onsen

Footing and road conditions affect visits to the icicles and gorge. When outdoor walking is difficult, enjoy the facilities at the station instead.

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph
Harumichi's detour notes

Get food, supplies and rest in order before entering Oku-Chichibu.

Harumichi Sakakibara sees this station as a rest stop for planning a day in the mountains, rather than a destination on its own. Will you eat at Gourokan, save Yu-yu-kan for the return, or buy something before heading to Mitsumine Shrine or Nakatsu Gorge? Knowing where to park, use the toilet and fit in each facility's hours makes the Oku-Chichibu drive more relaxed.

Highlights

Michi-no-Eki Otaki Onsen is a roadside rest stop with hot springs on National Route 140, between central Chichibu and the routes toward Mitsumine Shrine, Nakatsu Gorge and Karisaka. Its Yu-yu-kan (遊湯館) day-use onsen draws on Otaki hot spring water from about 1,000 m underground. You will also find the Gourokan (郷路館) restaurant, FamilyMart Michi-no-Eki Otaki Onsen store and Otaki Historical and Folklore Museum together here. That makes it easy to plan a meal, toilet stop or drinks before the mountain roads, and a bath on the way back. It works especially well as a planning stop that keeps a day in Oku-Chichibu on track.

  • #Day-use onsen
  • #Gourokan
  • #Oku-Chichibu
  • #National Route 140
  • #Beside the Arakawa River
  • #Route to Mitsumine Shrine
Why I like it

Reasons to stop here

01

Unwind from a mountain drive at Yu-yu-kan

The onsen generally stays open until 20:00 from April to November and until 19:00 from December to March; it is normally closed on Thursdays. If you stop on the way back from Mitsumine Shrine or Nakatsu Gorge, decide when to eat first: on some days the bath stays open later than the restaurant.

02

Have a relaxed Chichibu-style meal at Gourokan

Gourokan serves pork miso rice bowls, grilled horumon set meals (grilled offal with rice and sides), and house-made curry. Restaurant hours are generally 11:00–16:00. Come early for lunch; if you want something light after a bath, leave time to switch to the shop or convenience store.

03

Check the road, use the toilet and get drinks before the mountains

On the way toward Mitsumine Shrine, watch for curves, falling rocks, congestion and winter cold. The station has parking, toilets and a convenience store, so you can rest and stock up before continuing along the mountain roads.

Route idea

Ways to plan your stop

Spend your time at the station or add somewhere nearby. These ideas help you plan around your companions and the weather.

Shrine visits and mountain drives

Prepare before heading to Mitsumine Shrine

Sort out parking, toilets, drinks and snacks here before heading toward Mitsumine Shrine. Curves and congestion on the road to Mitsumine parking can be hard to predict, and toilet stops along the way are a concern. One stop at the station makes the mountain road ahead easier.

Roadside station → toward Futase Dam → Mitsumine Shrine.

On weekends, during autumn foliage and on festival or event days, allow for traffic near Mitsumine parking and stop early in the day.

A relaxed drive for adults

Make a half-day of lunch and an onsen in Oku-Chichibu

Eat a pork miso bowl or grilled horumon set meal at Gourokan, take a short look around the museum or shop, then finish at Yu-yu-kan. With food, shopping and bathing all at the station, this plan is easy to keep even when the weather is uncertain.

Park → Gourokan → shop or museum → Yu-yu-kan.

Check Thursday closures, restaurant hours, New Year closures and maintenance closures shortly before visiting.

A little extra scenery and photography

Add Takizawa Dam and the loop bridge for a short drive

Takizawa Dam and Raiden Todoroki Bridge, about 10 minutes from the station by car, offer a quick glimpse of Oku-Chichibu's deep mountains. They fit before or after a meal and make a flexible detour for families who cannot manage a long walk or for a day after rain.

Roadside station → Takizawa Dam and Raiden Todoroki Bridge → roadside station or toward Nakatsu Gorge.

Do not stop on the bridge or road. Follow local signs when choosing a viewing area and parking place.

Autumn and winter sightseeing in Oku-Chichibu

Use the station as a return stop in foliage and icicle season

Head to Nakatsu Gorge in autumn or the Misotsuchi Icicles in winter, then return for a bath and shopping. Peak conditions, roads and footing can greatly affect these outdoor visits; using the station as a rest stop on the return keeps the day manageable.

Roadside station → Nakatsu Gorge or Misotsuchi Icicles → Yu-yu-kan.

For the icicles, the event dates, admission fees, parking and ice hazards change each year; follow official tourism guidance.

Hours

Opening hours

Yu-yu-kan
10:00–20:00 (April–November) / 10:00–19:00 (December–March)

Closed Thursdays; generally open on public holidays falling on Thursday, with no substitute closure.

Gourokan restaurant
11:00〜16:00

Closed Thursdays. Come early for lunch. The shop is generally open 10:00–16:00.

Otaki Historical and Folklore Museum (大滝歴史民俗資料館)
9:00〜17:00

Last admission 16:30. Closed Thursdays and over New Year (December 28–January 4). Admission: adults ¥210; students and children ¥100.

FamilyMart
6:00〜22:00

Local specialty sales continue here. FamilyMart also opens on Thursdays when the other facilities are closed; useful for supplies.

Family

Visiting with children

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Stars show the editorial recommendation for each age group on a five-point scale. Read the reasons alongside each rating.

Age 1 and under
★★★☆☆

Better for toilets and a short break than a long stop for feeding or changing.

You can take care of several errands at the station. Prioritize carrying your child and easy access back to the car over a long visit to the onsen or museum.

Ages 2–3
★★★☆☆

Works well when eating, a little walking and returning to the car are kept in short segments.

This is not a station with large play equipment. A brief meal at Gourokan, a look in the shop and a toilet break suit it well.

Ages 4–6
★★★★☆

Adding Takizawa Dam and the loop bridge gives changing scenery and helps stave off boredom.

Rather than looking for play at the station alone, pair it with Takizawa Dam and Raiden Todoroki Bridge about 10 minutes away by car for more to talk about.

Elementary school age
★★★★☆

Combine the museum, dam and gorge to see the area's terrain and history.

Vary the Otaki Historical and Folklore Museum, Nakatsu Gorge and Misotsuchi Icicles by season for learning beyond a meal break.

Toilet before the mountain road

Use the station toilets before continuing toward Mitsumine Shrine or Nakatsu Gorge.

Eat at midday

Gourokan restaurant hours are generally 11:00–16:00. Arrive early if lunch is the purpose of your stop.

Winter footing first

For the Misotsuchi Icicles or when heading toward Mitsumine Shrine, plan warm clothing and shoes with good grip.

Do not plan around play equipment

The station works best for a mix of rest, food, a bath and a short detour.

Event

Make an event part of your visit

Permanent spaces and dated events are listed separately. Events can change both the atmosphere and crowds; use the official links for details.

Checking event dates.

Spaces used for events

Yu-yu-kan day-use onsen

Generally open until 20:00 from April to November and 19:00 from December to March. Thursday and temporary closures directly affect plans. Admission for adults (junior high school age and older) is ¥800 on weekdays or ¥900 on weekends, public holidays and designated days; elementary school children pay ¥400 or ¥500, and infants and preschoolers ¥200 or ¥300, respectively.

Gourokan restaurant

Restaurant hours are generally 11:00–16:00, and the shop 10:00–16:00. Pork miso rice bowls, grilled horumon set meals and house-made curry are the main lunch choices.

Otaki Historical and Folklore Museum (大滝歴史民俗資料館)

Generally open 9:00–17:00, with last admission at 16:30. Closed Thursdays and over New Year (December 28–January 4). Admission is ¥210 for adults and ¥100 for students and children. A short learning stop for rainy days or families with elementary school children.

Nearby seasonal sights

At Nakatsu Gorge in autumn and the Misotsuchi Icicles in winter, peak conditions, roads, footing and parking shape the visit.

Local feel

Reasons to return

Practical ideas and things to consider when spending time here.

A bath feels especially worthwhile after hiking, worship or a gorge visit

Travelers returning from Mount Ryokami or elsewhere in Oku-Chichibu often mention using the restaurant, onsen and shop together. A bath before the drive home can make this station feel like the close of a full day rather than a quick stop.

Source: Review and travel-site patterns

Autumn and winter sights change how to use the station

During autumn foliage at Nakatsu Gorge or winter at the Misotsuchi Icicles, the station works as a starting point or return stop. Peak conditions, parking, frozen roads and footing can change the experience considerably, so follow current local tourism guidance.

Source: Chichibu Tourism Navi and Chokotabi Saitama

Check road information before crossing toward Yamanashi on Route 140

Otaki lies deep in the mountains, where typhoons, landslides and winter road surfaces can change travel conditions. Official notices also report temporary closures and changes to operating hours, so check station notices as well as your destination's hours.

Before your visit

Things to check before setting out

Opening and closure days, individual businesses and facilities for children or dogs can affect your plans.

  • Yu-yu-kan, Gourokan, the museum and FamilyMart have different hours. If coming for a meal, check Gourokan's hours first.
  • Thursday and temporary closures can affect your plans. Check official notices shortly before a visit centered on the onsen.
  • On a day heading toward Mitsumine Shrine, use the toilet and buy drinks here before the mountain road.
  • During foliage season, the icicle event and long holidays, allow for traffic on nearby roads and at parking areas, and use the station as a return stop.
  • In winter, surfaces toward Misotsuchi Icicles and Mitsumine parking can be cold and slippery. Prioritize suitable shoes and warm clothing.
  • Weather can change travel time on Route 140. If driving through toward Yamanashi, check road information and conditions around Karisaka too.
Food

Eating and shopping

Specialities, places to eat, sweets and bakeries can all give you a reason to stop. Check individual menus for current prices and availability.

  • Meal
    Pork miso rice bowl
    A lunch option at Gourokan
  • Meal
    Grilled horumon set meal (offal)
    A hearty choice after a mountain walk or shrine visit
  • Meal
    House-made curry
    An easy dish for families to choose
  • Snack
    Miso potatoes and soft-serve ice cream
    Good for a short break
  • Shopping
    Chichibu souvenirs and local products
    Check the sales area adjoining FamilyMart
Food mood

What would you like to eat?

A meal, a sweet treat, market shopping or something to take away: choose a focus for the day instead of trying everything at once.

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph
Main lunch

Pork miso rice bowl, grilled horumon set meal, house-made curry

For a substantial meal at Gourokan. The view toward the Arakawa's headwaters and the wood interior add to this station's character.

Quick snack

Miso potatoes, soft-serve ice cream, an item from the shop

For a day when you do not want to linger on the way to Mitsumine Shrine or Nakatsu Gorge. Choose something that lets you return to the car easily.

Take home

Chichibu souvenirs, local products, drinks

Use the adjoining FamilyMart to buy souvenirs and driving supplies in one stop.

When it is busy

Switch from the restaurant to the shop or convenience store

Instead of relying entirely on a restaurant meal, get snacks and drinks first so your mountain plans stay flexible.

After the onsen

Shop souvenirs, drinks, sweets

Even if you do not sit down for a long meal after bathing, a small treat for the return trip can make the stop memorable.

Access

Location and surroundings

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1
Roadside station
Michi-no-Eki Otaki Onsen

A stop beside the Arakawa River where you can arrange a bath, meal, toilet break and shopping before entering Oku-Chichibu.

Open in Google Maps
2
Nature and scenery
Takizawa Dam and Raiden Todoroki Bridge

A detour about 10 minutes from the station for a sense of Oku-Chichibu’s deep mountains and the layered Route 140 roadway.

Open in Google Maps
3
Nature and scenery
Nakatsu Gorge

A deep Oku-Chichibu gorge worth visiting from the station during autumn foliage.

Open in Google Maps
4
Nature and scenery
Misotsuchi Icicles

A winter ice attraction in Oku-Chichibu where warm clothing and careful footing matter.

Open in Google Maps
5
Shrine and temple
Mitsumine Shrine

A major Oku-Chichibu drive destination: use the station toilets and stock up before heading to this mountain shrine.

Open in Google Maps
Food outlets and the market on the station grounds share the station pin. Nearby places are separate destinations to combine with your visit.
Nearby

Places to visit nearby

Takizawa Dam and Raiden Todoroki Bridge
Nature and scenery
Takizawa Dam and Raiden Todoroki BridgeJapanese guide
About 10 minutes by carAbout 10 minutes by car

For a short scenic stop before or after a meal or bath at the station.

Nakatsu Gorge
Nature and scenery
Nakatsu GorgeJapanese guide
About 20 minutes by carAbout 20 minutes by car

For a day centered on autumn foliage and mountain scenery, with a return to the onsen afterward.

Nature and scenery
Misotsuchi IciclesJapanese guide
About 25 minutes by carAbout 25 minutes by car

For a winter visit at peak conditions combined with a bath and a warm-up break.

Mitsumine Shrine
Shrine and temple
Mitsumine ShrineJapanese guide
About 60 minutes by carAbout 60 minutes by car

For a toilet stop, drinks and snacks before worship, then a return visit to the onsen.

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